History of Detroit, Lincoln and Bloomfield in 45 minutes or less

Author Amy Elliott Bragg, president of Preservation Detroit and author of Hidden History of Detroit, will present an abbreviated history of Detroit at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, at the Bloomfield Township Public Library.

Bragg is also co-founder of the Detroit Drunken Historical Society. The subject of her presentation "Tavern to wagon trail (then back to the tavern)" reflects her summation that "everything was muddy and everyone was drunk." Of course, back then cider was safer to drink than water.

The program promises to be history with personality and perhaps a little edge. And, yes, there will be a Bloomfield connection, as several prominent Detroiters journeyed to the area and named a bunch of lakes after themselves – in 1818. Think Wing, Cass and Elizabeth.

It's the latest in Bloomfield Historical Society's Local History/Local Resources series held in conjunction with the library. Copies of Bragg's book will be available to purchase. It's open to the public at no charge and there will be a small celebration of President Lincoln's actual 206th birthday, along with cake and conversation.